About

WePAC’s mission is to promote childhood literacy in West Philadelphia by providing access to high quality, representative books and  literacy enrichment that inspire children to become lifelong readers.

The West Philadelphia Alliance for Children (WePAC) is a leading nonprofit bringing books, reading programs, and fully functioning libraries to young students in West Philadelphia. We are privately funded and provide all of our services at no cost to schools or the School District of Philadelphia.

WePAC began in 2003 with six volunteers at a single school and has grown into an independent, non‑sectarian 501(c)(3) organization. Our programs focus on children in kindergarten through third grade — the most critical years for building reading skills. Volunteers encourage curiosity, spark joy, and help children develop a lifelong love of reading.

Today, more than 95% of Philadelphia public schools lack a functioning library, and many students do not have books at home. WePAC is changing that by managing 11 school libraries — and growing — across West Philadelphia. Since 2009, we’ve reopened libraries, provided thousands of books, and created welcoming spaces where children can discover the joy of reading.

Our volunteers read aloud with students, help them choose books, and use literacy resources developed with Penn Libraries Community Engagement to meet Pennsylvania Core Standards. In addition to school libraries, WePAC donates thousands of books each year and operates the local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which mails free books monthly to children under five, supporting early literacy and family engagement across the community.

Watch WePAC on PHL17

Board of Directors

Steve Udicious, President
Assistant General Counsel, McKesson

Mengistu Koilor, Interim Vice President & Treasurer
Co-Owner, Two Locals Brewing Co.

Jinaki Bright, Secretary
Executive Director, Read2Succeed 

Eileen Hillman
Nonprofit Consultant, Schultz & Williams

Terri Kelly
Middle School & High School Tutor

Yolanda Mack
District Office Chief of Staff, State Rep. Amen Brown

Jennifer Nestle
Attorney & Partner, Batchis, Nestle & Reimann, LLC

Diane Mills
West Philly Reading Captain

Tim O’Hara
Director, International Vaccine Commercial Operations, Merck and Company

Rachel Semigran
Director of Enrollment Marketing & Communications, Swarthmore College

Stacy Torpey
U.S. Communications Director, Braksem

Meet the Team

  • Jennifer Leith (she/her)

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Jennifer Leith, a lifelong Philadelphian, has spent over a decade supporting childhood literacy and nonprofit work, including serving as Executive Director of The Douty Foundation. She brings deep experience in nonprofit management, relationship building, and community engagement to WePAC. A mom to two avid readers, Jennifer is passionate about learning from and working alongside the volunteers, partners, and families who power WePAC’s mission.

    jennifer@wepac.org

    (215) 452-0333, ext. 0

  • Katelin Beck (she/her)

    PROGRAM MANAGER

    Katelin Beck has always been passionate about sharing stories and fostering a love of reading. She earned her B.A. in English Literature from East Stroudsburg University and taught middle school English in Philadelphia for six years, where she built strong classroom libraries and supported students’ literacy growth. Now serving as WePAC’s Program Manager, Katelin is dedicated to ensuring all children have access to representative books and joyful reading experiences.

    katelin@wepac.org

    (215) 452-0333, ext. 2

  • Byron Martin (he/him)

    COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

    Martin brings a background in program coordination with the School District of Philadelphia and over five years of classroom teaching experience to his role at WePAC. Skilled in program development and collaboration with educators and community partners, he is passionate about promoting literacy and supporting students. Martin is excited to leverage his experience to advance WePAC’s mission of bringing books and libraries back to Philadelphia schools.

    martin@wepac.org

    (215) 452-0333, ext. 3

  • Jasmine Smith (she/her)

    LIBRARIAN

    Jasmine Smith earned a BA in History from North Carolina A&T State University and an MA in Library and Information Science from Kent State University. She has worked in special collections in Philadelphia since 2017, including roles as Curator of African American History and Assistant Director of the Program in African American History at the Library Company of Philadelphia. Currently managing the Black Joy & Resilience project, Jasmine brings expertise in cataloging and library organization to WePAC.

    jasmine@wepac.org

    (215) 452-0333, ext. 1

Thank you to our supporters.

FY26 Institutional Funders include:

WePAC is powered by generous individuals, foundations, and organizations who believe every child deserves the joy of reading. Your support makes our work possible — thank you! Visit our donation page to learn how you can help.

  • Anonymous Foundation

  • Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church

  • Carobus Family Foundation

  • The Gordon Charter Foundation

  • Claneil Foundation

  • Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation

  • Hamilton Family Charitable Trust

  • Hassel Foundation

  • The Allen Hilles Fund

  • KGR Foundation

  • Patricia Kind Family Foundation

  • William M. King Charitable Foundation

  • Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Foundation

  • The Christopher Ludwick Foundation

  • Jane C. MacElree Family Foundation

  • The Millrace Foundation

  • Joseph Kennard Skilling Trust

  • Pincus Family Foundation

  • PwC Reimagine

  • Penn Libraries Community Engagement (PLCE)

  • Windmill Foundation

  • Henrietta Tower Wurts Memorial Foundation

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!